A pivotal government review into the security arrangements for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could force the Duchess into a major U-turn, compelling a return to the UK she has largely avoided since 2022. Royal experts suggest that if state-funded protection is reinstated, Meghan will be left with 'no excuse' to stay away from her husband's homeland.
The Security Stalemate and a Potential Breakthrough
Prince Harry's stark declaration that it was 'impossible' to bring his wife and children, Archie and Lilibet, to Britain following his High Court defeat on security last year appeared to slam the door on any imminent family visit. The couple have not been together on UK soil since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. However, a new government assessment of the threat level surrounding the Sussexes has ignited fresh speculation. Royal author Duncan Larcombe told the Mirror that the security issue has been Meghan's primary reason for avoiding Britain. 'If the protection is put back in place for Harry and Meghan when they’re on UK soil, then there’s really no excuse for her to stay away,' he stated.
The Uncomfortable Decisions Facing the Duchess
Larcombe argues that a restoration of security would corner Meghan into making some profoundly uncomfortable choices. 'She has to be considering doing a U-turn – she has no choice but to think about it given the new review,' he explained. Such a trip would mean confronting the British public and the very royal family members she has publicly criticised. The expert doubts Meghan's willingness to 'eat humble pie,' suggesting that a UK menu would serve exactly that. Furthermore, her reported dislike of being apart from her young children adds another layer of complexity to any travel plans. Bookmakers are already taking bets, with 2026 favoured as the most likely year for a Sussex family visit, closely followed by 2028.
Navigating Family Rifts and Public Scrutiny
The logistical and emotional hurdles extend far beyond security. The question of whom they would see during a visit looms large. Harry has seen his father, King Charles, only once in the past two years, and relations with Prince William are described as still containing 'bad blood'. Larcombe posed the difficult questions: 'Do they see Harry’s old friends that he’s had to isolate from? Does he see his brother who won’t talk to him?' The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham could provide a less daunting context for a return, offering a positive distraction. However, Larcombe warns it could become a 'PR disaster' for Meghan if she allowed Harry to attend with their children while she remained in the US. The royal expert concluded that the couple now find themselves in a 'really complicated, complex situation' of their own making, with every potential move under intense global scrutiny.
